Doula support among brazilian women who attended the senses of birth health education intervention – a cross sectional analysis

BACKGROUND: While maternal health is a priority in international goals, maternal health outcomes remain poor in many regions of the world. In Brazil, maternal mortality has decreased over the past decades, but the country’s maternal mortality ratio is higher than over half of all countries at 59 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Brazilian maternal health care model facilitates high rates of medical interventions during labor and childbirth; 56% of births are by cesarean birth. Doula support is considered a potential strategy to reduce medically unnecessary interventions during childbirth that contribute to maternal mortality. METHODS: The cross-sectional study analyses associations with use of doula support and normal birth among Brazilian women who participated in a health education intervention named the Senses of Birth (SoB). The SoB intervention, implemented in five cities from 2015 to 2017, was developed to educate about normal birth and to evidence-based practices (EBP) reduce medically in childbirth. Chi-Square tests were performed to identify the relationship between doula support during childbirth and sociodemographic characteristics, childbirth information, perceived knowledge, and use of EBPs during labor. Logistic regression was performed to identify associations in adjusted analysis. RESULTS: Controlling for covariates, doula support was associated with vaginal delivery (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.37–4.45.) Findings also suggest that women who had doula support were more likely to use non-pharmacological pain relief methods during labor (OR 9.68, 95% CI: 2.67–34.61), deliver in a public hospital (OR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.09–3.72), and be low and mid-level income compared to women with high income. CONCLUSION: This study’s findings suggest that doula support is significantly associated with vaginal birth. The results may be useful for advocating for changes to the childbirth care model in Brazil. Incorporating EBPs, such as doula support, for all women who desire may improve maternal and child outcomes.